I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...it's been a hectic...year...
Recently, the Chinese have sent out some awesome images from their lunar probe, and spoken enthusiastic about further missions in 2013 and beyond - including manned missions in our lifetimes!
As exciting this is from the Geek point of view, though, it raises some troubling questions.
The exploration and exploitation of the resources on the Moon was unimagined when the US went there. They collected rocks and dirt, drove around, played golf, planted the American flag…it was a pissing match with the Soviets, nothing more.
China, with its near absolute control of industry and science and remorseless determinism of the Chinese Communist system of government can devote whatever resources it wishes to the exploitation of the Moon’s stores, including water ice and untold mineral wealth.
The Moon’s a logical jumping off point to Mars and the potentially mineral-rich asteroid field. Whether you believe in the romantic notions of deep space exploration or not, the questions you should ask yourself are these:
Who do you want to see reach the stars first? Communist Chinese imperialists or an international coalition of American, British, European and Asian space explorers?
Who should have the best access to the riches and knowledge to be found in the solar system – and beyond?
If there is life out there, who should represent Mankind when and if we encounter them?
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Steve,
ReplyDeleteI find this phrase oddly telling: "If there is life out there, who should represent Mankind when and if we encounter them?"
Are you saying that the Chinese are not suitable representatives of planet Earth or the human race in general? Does political doctrine somehow affect human DNA? Irrespective of their motivations (power, prestige, ego, money probably) if the Chinese are willing to invest in their space programme then good for them. The US and Europe have all but given up and if "we" (Europe/US) continue to support their cash flow by buying cheap goods from them at the expense of our own home-grown industries and people then more fool us.
I want to see the human race reach for the stars (or at least the nearby planets) and I don't care what the colour of their skin or political motivations are.
That view may be considered foolish or naive but it's my view and I'm prepared to defend it.